It was quiet and calm in the dim master-bedroom that overlooked the bustling backyard. There were a few rows of white chairs that all faced a simple wooden arch, draped with white sheer curtains that were contently rolling in the breeze. Alina peaked out the window, looking at all groups of people walking to their seats. Her and Dustin’s entire family and closest friends, all here to witness a day she had been dreaming about, their wedding day.

As guests were seated, Dustin waited in the kitchen with his back against the wall and hands by his side, patiently waiting in the moments before he would meet his bride down the aisle. Alina slowly walked to the opposite side of the wall where Dustin stood, and then with her back to his, grabbed his hand. Without seeing each other, they stood holding hands for a few quiet minutes with watery eyes. They moment was heavy and full of emotion even in the silence. Then, Dustin said in a quiet and certain voice, “I love you”.

Just a week prior Dustin found out his family would be in town to meet his fiancé and son of the first time. Not knowing the next time they would all be together as a family, Alina and Dustin felt timing could not be better, and decided to get married the next week, in front of their entire family. With the mastery of Bella Florina Events, their dream wedding was brought to life in a week. Take a look at some of my favorites of this backyard garden wedding below, and check out the entire gallery here.

If you’ve driven on the 76 at anytime before summer 2016, you’ve seen the big abandoned screens from what used to be the Vally Drive-In in Oceanside. Although movies haven’t been projected there since the late 90s, if you head out to the old theater on a weekday evening, like the night I met the Dolly’s for a sunset session, you’ll find a truly epic lot that still holds so much nostalgia in the North County community.

Meghan and Cheyne Dolly, owners of The Loose Leaf here in Oceanside, are good friends of mine. They ran off to Vegas with a handful of buddies a few months back to get hitched by a cowboy in a chapel on the strip. I would also like to add that there was an epic fog machine that pushed a thick white cloud down the aisle as they were exchanging there vows… BEST. WEDDING. EVER. Their elopement was fun and lighthearted to celebrate a love and commitment that is strong and intimate.

When they got back from celebrating their marriage in Vegas, we met in the old Valley Drive-In, to catch some photos of these two to celebrate their marriage. Just like them, the shoot was unique and bold; vibrant and with character. They borrowed their buddies old pick up and hung out by the truck in the old lot with the sun coming down in the most perfect way.

Here are some of my favorites from the shoot. You can check out the full gallery here.

I met Branden, Stephanie, and Camryn on an overcast morning at the Oceanside Pier just about 40 minutes north from downtown San Diego. It was low tide so we were able to walk under the pier and catch some really awesome shots with the gray water just close enough to reflect the bottom of the wooden pier. We danced around the sand for couples photos and then Camryn wanted to join in and show off her walking skills. The overcast beach made for those epic tones that make my heart flutter. Check out some of my favorite shots below!

Brad and Melyssa said they wanted their photos taken at Santa Rosa Plateau just north of San Diego County and close by my hometown of Menifee, California. GENIOUS. I grew up so close to the trails but I never really went up there, so when I met them, their two babies {Taylor and Tessa} and Bella the dog at the top of the trials I was googley eyed from the get-go.

We started out on the trail in the morning and landed in a nice little patch of trees. Mely, being true to her free spirit, placed Tessa up on top of her shoulders and kicked off her shoes to walk barefoot through the trail. Everything Mely does is with a light heart and easy-going mentality. She wasn’t even stumped when Taylor needed a quick diaper change on the dirt. She is such a beautiful soul. While Mely was getting Taylor cleaned up, Brad and Tessa walked the trail hand and hand and it was so obvious Tessa was adoring every moment with her dad, looking up at him and playing with him any chance she could. He is also easy going like Mely, but he also has a fatherly, protector presence as he watched the girls explore the trail that put everyone at ease. The Phillipps are a young, fun, and happy family and I was absolutely honored to capture this Santa Rosa Plateau adventure.

Here are a few of my favorites of this amazing family. To see more check out the full gallery in my portfolio. Cheers!